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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

Peter was playing like usual when he caught his ear in a hole he had previously gnawed in a pipe (against my knowledge and approval).
It didn't look like a serious cut and Penelope (his sister) kept it clean and it healed fast. Within a week it was almost gone but Penelopes grooming left Peter with a bald spot.

It has been quite a few weeks since then and the spot is still there. Maby with 1mm fuzz on it in the corner but not really great coverage.
I got concerned as there are some tiny soares there like exema or something. I took a piccy of his bald patch and since he is such a good bynny I used my usb microscope to take a pic of a spot too.

Hoping this isn't mites, and I can't really say I see any walking dandruf.
I think it may be overgrooming though. She is very insistant and his ears are her favourite spots.

I promised him you wouldn't laugh...

And full zoom on a spot: (Like about a mm or two wide.)

LittlePuffyTailNew Brunswick, Canada

Forum Leader

12721 posts

9/04/2012 1:28 AM

I suspect it's just irritated from the over grooming. Maybe another member will have an idea of something you can put on the area to discourage Penelope from grooming.

Poor guy. He looks very annoyed in that pic!

Proud to be a Bunny Hugger and a voice for the voiceless

Kyrre

37 posts

9/04/2012 3:10 AM

Posted By LittlePuffyTail on 09/04/2012 04:28 AM
I suspect it's just irritated from the over grooming. Maybe another member will have an idea of something you can put on the area to discourage Penelope from grooming.

Poor guy. He looks very annoyed in that pic!

Yes, disgruntled is the right word. He puts up with it though, knowing I mean him well and that there is a treat waiting.
Most likely the treat is more important but he really has the preservation instinct of a brick. If he lies down in the couch I have to make sure I don't sit on him, and if he is loose and I go to sit down I again have to make sure I dont sit on him as he will jump up in the couch and stop dead behind me as I start my "descent". So far it's been ok but there has been a few close calls. He didn't even complain though. Maby he's suicidal? hehe.

TH004

261 posts

9/04/2012 3:37 AM

My first rabbit was bit by a poisonous spider (in the house) and her face started rotting out. Once it started to heal with meds, she wouldn't leave it alone, leaving a red, bald spot. The doc first gave me an ointment to put on it, to help it heal and to discourage her. I don't remember what it was, but you can call and ask your vet for a recommendation. It didn't work. He had me then put a cone on her It worked, but she looked so sad in her cone. As soon as a little bit of hair grew back, I took it off. Once it wasn't bald anymore, she didn't obsess with it.

(If using a cone, you will need to re-think food dishes, etc, unless you just want to put the cone on when you aren't around to stop the grooming.)

I haven't had bonded rabbits, so I don't know if this is possible, but could you separate them for just a week or so? That would probably do the trick. Maybe side-by-side cages with supervised play (and you removing them if the one starts to groom the other)?

Kyrre

37 posts

9/04/2012 3:57 AM

Posted By TH004 on 09/04/2012 06:37 AM
My first rabbit was bit by a poisonous spider (in the house) and her face started rotting out. Once it started to heal with meds, she wouldn't leave it alone, leaving a red, bald spot. The doc first gave me an ointment to put on it, to help it heal and to discourage her. I don't remember what it was, but you can call and ask your vet for a recommendation. It didn't work. He had me then put a cone on her It worked, but she looked so sad in her cone. As soon as a little bit of hair grew back, I took it off. Once it wasn't bald anymore, she didn't obsess with it.

(If using a cone, you will need to re-think food dishes, etc, unless you just want to put the cone on when you aren't around to stop the grooming.)

I haven't had bonded rabbits, so I don't know if this is possible, but could you separate them for just a week or so? That would probably do the trick. Maybe side-by-side cages with supervised play (and you removing them if the one starts to groom the other)?

They are adopted and were found outside very scared so are very strongly attached to eachother.
If I pick up one and go to another room, the other one will follow. Seperating them will feel very cruel but I think it would have to be done unless I can get Penelope to lay off the bald spot.

Oh, and in case anyone were wondering. Yes they shed like crazy all the time. Fine hairs floating all over. And it's not like white is even slightly visible on my black couch, cushions or shirt... But they are so soft and fuzzy they get away with it.

TH004

261 posts

9/04/2012 6:35 AM

Awe! They love each other so much! I would try calling the vet for the ointment or if they have an at-home recommendation. Definitely try that first. After their history, I wouldn't want them to be separated either.

Kyrre

37 posts

9/04/2012 7:55 AM

Posted By TH004 on 09/04/2012 09:35 AM
Awe! They love each other so much! I would try calling the vet for the ointment or if they have an at-home recommendation. Definitely try that first. After their history, I wouldn't want them to be separated either.

I can ofcource bring em both in...

LittlePuffyTailNew Brunswick, Canada

Forum Leader

12721 posts

9/04/2012 9:01 AM

Aw....they're so sweet!!!! I just want to scoop them up!

Proud to be a Bunny Hugger and a voice for the voiceless

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